Boxing Preview: Fabio Wardley (17-0-0, 16 KO’s) vs. Frazer Clarke (8-0-0, 6 KO’s)
Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke are set to clash in a grudge match dubbed ‘Bad Blood’ for the British and Commonwealth belts, lighting up The O2 in London on Sunday, March 31st. Fans can catch this highly anticipated bout live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, and on Peacock in the USA.
Wardley, the reigning champ with an unblemished 17-0 record and 16 knockouts, has been tearing through the competition. The 29-year-old from Ipswich showcased his power by dismantling David Adeleye on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou fight in Riyadh last October.
On the other side, Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Frazer Clarke brings an 8-0 record with 6 KOs. Last year, ‘Big Fraze’ went ten rounds with the seasoned Mariusz Wach before stopping David Allen in the sixth round, maintaining his perfect record.
The tension has been building as Wardley and Clarke have been on a collision course, each eyeing the heavyweight throne of Britain. Their feud reached a boiling point after a purse bid dispute last year. Clarke was named the mandatory challenger for Wardley’s Lonsdale strap last April, but the purse bid saga led to a heated verbal exchange between the two, setting the stage for their upcoming showdown.
Wardley is eager for the fight, saying, “I’m over the moon to be topping the bill at the legendary O2. It’s practically my second home. Clarke might be a polished Olympian, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve he won’t see coming. Ready to add him to my KO list.”
BOXXER’s head honcho, Ben Shalom, is equally excited, stating, “It’s high time we put this ‘Bad Blood’ to bed. We’re all in to bring the most electrifying domestic bouts to the British fans. This heavyweight clash on March 31st at The O2 is not to be missed. After last year’s fiasco, this fight’s been on everyone’s lips. Thrilled to set the stage for Clarke to square off against Wardley, a formidable champ and a force to be reckoned with.”
In addition to the main event, Alen Babic will take on Steve Robinson, and rising star Callum Simpson will showcase his skills on the undercard. This ‘Bad Blood’ event promises to be a night of intense action.
Babic, with a record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 10 knockouts, is no stranger to The O2, having previously defeated Morgan Dessaux, Eric Molina, and Adam Balski. The Croatian powerhouse is looking to bounce back after his first professional loss to Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC Bridgerweight World Title. Babic is eager to get back on track against Newcastle’s Steve Robinson, who holds a record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 4 knockouts.
Simpson, unbeaten with a 13-0 record and 9 knockouts, is set to continue his ascent in the super middleweight division. After witnessing Zak Chelli win the British Super Middleweight Title from Jack Cullen in Liverpool this January, Simpson aims to keep his winning streak alive in London following his unanimous decision victory over Jose de Jesus Macias at York Hall last September.
Adding to the excitement, Ben Whittaker, also known as ‘The Surgeon,’ will bring his unique flair to The O2. The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist became an online sensation after his knockout of Khalid Graidia on February 3rd went viral. Now, with newfound fame, Whittaker is ready to steal the show once again.
Lastly, Florian Marku and Chris Kongo will settle their welterweight rivalry after last year’s explosive press conference brawl. Get ready for a night of thrilling boxing action on March 31st at The O2.
